Oral history interview with James A. Kurtz [sound recording], 2002.

ArchivalResource

Kurtz, James A., 1940-. Oral history interview with James A. Kurtz [sound recording], 2002.

Oral history interview with James A. Kurtz [sound recording], 2002.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/57146797

Kurtz, an Appleton, Wis. native, discusses his experiences as an officer during the Vietnam War with the 18th Infantry Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division. He talks about participation in ROTC at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve, and attending platoon leader training at Fort Benning (Georgia). Kurtz describes Fort Benning including training facilities, social issues in the south, and decision to serve in Vietnam. He describes the trip to Vietnam; bomber activity at Guam which lead to the feeling of going into a war zone; and his first impression of Vietnam talking about the heat, smells, and humidity. He comments on his orientation in Vietnam, learning to identify combat veterans, and the Army promotion system. He characterizes his base camp as constantly under enemy fire and describes its tents, sleeping accommodations, and mess hall. Kurtz relates providing security for an Engineering Unit and his first experience with combat. He reflects on the psychology of combat, Viet Cong tactics, and the vulnerability of officers to enemy fire. Kurtz was transferred to battalion staff as an adjutant and talks about his duties including the time when his helicopter was shot down. He provides a sketch of officer and enlisted relations, the political nature of the South Vietnamese Army, and the different types of wildlife soldiers had to contend with. He recalls several incidents when people in his unit were killed, seeing the Bob Hope USO show, and investigating senior NCOs. Kurtz details the relationship between the Army and the Vietnamese people talking about how almost anyone could shoot at the soldiers, relocating entire villages, and buying and relocating graveyards. He touches upon Agent Orange use, "Arc Light" flights, serving on a court martial, military life, and return to the United States. Kurtz describes the abrupt transition to civilian life, beginnings of anti-war sentiment in Madison (Wisconsin), shutting out his experience "like it never happened," and feelings of futility when Saigon fell. He talks about joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars, returning to Vietnam on a veteran's tour, and the healing effects of that visit.

Transcript: 48 p.Military Papers : 0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center